This alarming trend exploits the vulnerability of parents whose children are newly enrolled in engineering or medical colleges. Here’s a breakdown of the scam:- Data Collection: Fraudsters gather information about students who have recently attended coaching centers for entrance exams. This data can often indicate whether a student has likely enrolled in a professional course such as engineering or medicine.
- Initial Contact: Posing as police officers, the scammers contact the parents of these students, asserting that their child has been detained for illegal activities including drug possession and misconduct.
- Creating Urgency and Fear: The fraudsters claim that a senior officer will soon arrive to take over the case, implying that once this happens, the opportunity to resolve the matter discreetly will vanish. This tactic pressures parents to act quickly out of fear for their child’s future.
- Demand for Money: They demand an immediate transfer of money, often around Rs. 50,000, to “settle” the matter quietly and release the student from custody.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Verify the Caller: Before taking any action, verify the identity of the caller by calling the police department’s official number (not the number provided by the caller) to confirm the claim.
- Educate Your Family: Inform your children and other family members about this scam so they are prepared and can react appropriately.
- Secure Personal Information: Advise your child on the importance of not sharing personal information and the details of their educational journey with unreliable sources.
- Be Cautious with Payments: Never make hurried payments, especially under pressure. No legitimate police officer would ask for a bribe or “settlement fee” over the phone.
- Report to Authorities: If you encounter such a scam, report it to the local police and cybercrime authorities. Sharing your experience can help alert others.
This scam is not just a theft of money but a profound psychological assault on parents who are misled into fearing the worst about their children. Awareness and prompt action are key in combating these deceitful tactics.
